Big Tech
Tracking the heavyweights of innovation. Insightful reporting on how legacy tech giants wield global influence, scale infrastructure, and compete for market dominance.
189 articles
Google Expands Age Estimation Tool to Android Developers Globally
Google expands age estimation API to Android developers worldwide, enabling age-appropriate experiences without collecting personal data.
Why Google Maps Fails Rural Drivers: The Data Gap Explained
Google Maps struggles in rural areas due to sparse data and less frequent updates, creating navigation risks for millions.
Waymo Robotaxis Resume Freeway Operations in Phoenix With Expansion Planned
Waymo returns its robotaxis to freeways in Phoenix after a pause, with plans to expand to other cities soon.
Microsoft AI Feature Paywall Shift Fuels Windows Subscription Fears
Microsoft is moving free Copilot features like Deep Research to paid tiers, raising concerns that Windows could eventually become a subscription-based OS.
Google Maps Edit Privacy Raises New Data Visibility Concerns
Google Maps edits may not be private by default. User contributions are often visible to others, raising data exposure risks.
Lyft and Baidu Join London Robotaxi Race With Apollo Go Testing
Lyft partners with Baidu to bring Apollo Go robotaxis to London via Freenow. Testing begins as the city's autonomous vehicle market heats up with multiple players.
Google AI Overviews Now Appear in Nearly Half of All Searches
New data shows Google's AI Overviews appear in 43% of searches. The rapid shift to AI-generated answers reshapes search, raising concerns for publishers, users and regulators.
Amazon's Satellite Phone Network Puts Pressure on SpaceX's Starlink
Amazon expands satellite-to-phone plans, intensifying the direct-to-cell race with SpaceX. The move could reshape mobile connectivity and force faster deployment.
Google Commits to Water-Positive Data Centers by 2030 as AI Demand Surges
Google pledges to replenish more water than its data centers consume by 2030, outlining five commitments to address water use amid AI expansion.
Apple Leasing Plan Could Let Financiers Remotely Lock iPhones
Code in an iOS beta reveals Apple is building a system that would let financing providers disable apps or lock iPhones if payments are missed.
Google Maps Home Address: Why Updating Your Location Matters for Navigation
Keeping your home address accurate in Google Maps improves route suggestions and traffic estimates. Many users overlook this simple setting after moving.
Facebook Rolls Out Standalone Marketplace App With Free Verification for Sellers
Facebook introduces a dedicated Marketplace app for sellers with a free verification system, aiming to boost trust and streamline e-commerce transactions.
6G Breakthrough: RIS Technology Solves Electromagnetic Interference
University of Glasgow researchers used reconfigurable intelligent surfaces to manipulate electromagnetic waves, solving a key EMI problem for 6G networks.
Meta’s AI Optimism Ad Borrows an Apocalyptic Bowie Anthem
Meta used David Bowie's apocalyptic song 'Five Years' in an AI optimism ad. The dissonance exposes a gap in tech marketing and raises questions about cultural awareness.
Nvidia Claims Custom Vera CPU Outperforms AMD Epyc Turin for AI Workloads
Nvidia disclosed details of its custom Arm-based Vera CPU for the Vera Rubin platform, claiming its Olympus cores outperform AMD's Epyc Turin chips. The processor targets AI reasoning and data center tasks.
Off-Balance-Sheet AI Debt Soars to $1.65 Trillion for Amazon, Meta, Microsoft
Major tech companies hold $1.65 trillion in hidden AI infrastructure debt via off-balance-sheet leases, per Nikkei Asia. Amazon, Meta and Microsoft are among the firms with the largest liabilities.
Solid-State Batteries for Robots Face Steep Cost Hurdle Despite Runtime Gains
SK On argues solid-state batteries could power robots for full 8-hour shifts but must prove total cost of ownership overcomes a 4x premium vs lithium-ion.
Intel Ships First High-NA EUV Silicon, Targets Chipmaking Lead
Intel has started shipping chips made with High-NA EUV lithography, a breakthrough process that could restore its manufacturing edge over rivals TSMC and Samsung.
Tesla Launches Robotaxi Pilots in Florida Cities Ahead of Q2 Earnings
Tesla quietly started robotaxi pilots in Orlando and Tampa. The cautious rollout contrasts with CEO Elon Musk’s earlier promises and signals a measured strategy.